The action comes as a result of the Supreme Court's strike down of the Defense of Marriage Act in June. With the federal government now recognizing gay and straight married couples equally, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen wasted no time pushing the Charlie Morgan Act, so as to ensure that same-sex military couples are protected.

Shaheen says, “The Supreme Court’s ruling on DOMA was a victory for the belief that all Americans are to be treated equally under the law, and I am pleased the Veterans’ Committee has built on the landmark progress we’ve seen for marriage equality. I hope the full Senate will move forward on the Charlie Morgan Act so that finally no spouse, child or family is denied benefits they have earned and deserve."

Charlie Morgan (pictured with her family, above) was an openly gay, married National Guard chief warrant officer who actively fought DOMA. She passed away following a battle with breast cancer in February.